Composition, Contrast, Complexity

Book excerpt: Since its founding in Delft in 1984, Mecanoo Architects has achieved increasing recognition and appreciation across the globe. With numerous buildings constructed in an inventive and innovative style they have set new standards in modern architecture. More recently their economics faculty at the University of Utrecht and the library at the Technical University of Delft have propelled them into the limelight. In this long-awaited publication 20 of their most significant projects of recent years are documented. In accompanying essays, founding partner Francine Houben, analyses the projects by means of 10 fundamental statements and explores those factors which give Mecanoo's creative process its distinctive quality - contrast, composition and complexity.